BABITA DEOKARAN MURDER TRIAL MOVED TO HIGH COURT

The trial of six suspects accused of the murder of Babita Deokaran has been moved from the Johannesburg magistrates court to the high court.

Phakamani Hadebe, Zitha Hadebe, Nhlagano Ndlovu, Sanele Mbele, Simphiwe Mazibuko and Phakanyiswa Dladla were served with the indictment for murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The 53-year-old had worked as Chief Director of Financial Accounting in the Gauteng health department and had at times acted as the CFO.

National Prosecuting Authority Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane says Deokaran was fatally wounded on 23 August 2021 outside her home in Winchester Hills. The accused were arrested with a seventh suspect who was not charged, due to lack of evidence against him.

All accused are remanded in custody, until 22 July 2022.